Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has provided an update on left back Baba Rahman, who has not featured for the national team since he pulled out of the Ghana squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The 29-year-old had come under severe criticism when he was booed for his performace by fans back in September 2023, when Ghana faced Central Africa Republic in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Following the incident, the PAOK left back took to social media to announce that he was taking a break from the team.
However, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, Baba’s name was left out again when Otto Addo named Ghana’s squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Asked whether he has spoken to the former Chelsea man, he said “I’ve seen his performance and have talked to him, but at the moment, he is not ready to come back,” he stated.
“I don’t know exactly what he experienced with the national team but I want to take this opportunity to indicate that everyone of us has a high responsibility. I don’t know what happened after that game but surely, it affected him and his family and I think we as human beings can do better than doing such things to somebody who is giving his best for his nation.
“We have a lot of players who are sacrificing a lot, and cannot be at their daughters birthday party, they can’t be at their brother’s or sister’s wedding, they don’t go to funerals because they are here. They sacrifice a lot to be with the team to help Ghana to succeed and when the answer is to bully them when they don’t perform, is not good enough.”
Rahman has enjoyed a top form for Greek Super League side, PAOK, helping them to win the 2023/2024 league title.
